Skip to Main Content

About The Book

“Gloriously dark and romantic.” —Roshani Chokshi, New York Times bestselling author of The Star-Touched Queen
“An alluring and seductive fairy tale.” —Justina Ireland, New York Times bestselling author of Dread Nation
“Horrifying, heartbreaking, and heartwarming, a lush fairy tale rooted in a moral quandary.” —Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
“An eerie, consuming tale of sacrifice and faith. Haunting and unique.” —Booklist
“Evocative.” —BCCB

Once, a witch made a pact with a devil. The legend says they loved each other, but can the story be trusted at all? Find out in this lush, atmospheric fantasy novel that entwines love, lies, and sacrifice.

Long ago, a village made a bargain with the devil: to ensure their prosperity, when the Slaughter Moon rises, the village must sacrifice a young man into the depths of the Devil’s Forest.

Only this year, the Slaughter Moon has risen early.

Bound by duty, secrets, and the love they share for one another, Mairwen, a spirited witch; Rhun, the expected saint; and Arthur, a restless outcast, will each have a role to play as the devil demands a body to fill the bargain. But the devil these friends find is not the one they expect, and the lies they uncover will turn their town—and their hearts—inside out.

About The Author

Photograph by Natalie C. Parker.

Tessa Gratton is genderfluid and hangry. She is the author of The Queens of Innis Lear and Lady Hotspur, as well as several YA series and short stories which have been translated into twenty-two languages. Her most recent YA novels are Strange Grace, Night Shine, and Moon Dark Smile. Though she has traveled all over the world, she currently lives alongside the Kansas prairie with her wife. Visit her at TessaGratton.com.

Product Details

  • Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books (September 18, 2018)
  • Length: 400 pages
  • ISBN13: 9781534402102
  • Ages: 12 - 99

Browse Related Books

Raves and Reviews

"Strange Grace is an alluring and seductive fairy tale that asks just what would you give up for the things you love? And what if that isn’t enough? You won’t want to leave the beautiful and eerie world Gratton has created."

– Justina Ireland, New York Times bestselling author of Dread Nation.

“Gloriously dark and romantic.”

– Roshani Chokshi, New York Times Bestselling author of The Star-Touched Queen

"Horrifying, heartbreaking, and heartwarming, a lush fairy tale rooted in a moral quandary."

– Kirkus Reviews, STARRED REVIEW

“An eerie, consuming tale of sacrifice and faith. Haunting and unique.”

– Booklist

* "A story that is part The Village by M. Night Shyamalan and part 'The Lottery' by Shirley Jackson. The plot twists and turns in unexpected and thrilling ways described in Gratton’s vibrant writing."

– VOYA, starred review

"Evocative."

– BCCB

Resources and Downloads

High Resolution Images

More books from this author: Tessa Gratton